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Science News for November 3, 2003


Anti-platelet drug blocks bone metastases in mice

Researchers found that an anti-platelet drug, ML464, blocked bone metastases and reduced new tumor development in mice. The study provides a promising start to exploring the use of anti-platelet drugs as potential therapies for breast and prostate cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2003

Sand ripples taller on Mars

Ripple features on Mars have been found to be almost 20 feet high, much taller than those on Earth, with the exact heights and grain sizes still unknown. The dimensions of these Martian ripples are likely influenced by lower gravity and may reveal insights into local and regional weather patterns.

JCI Table of Contents, November 3, 2003

Researchers successfully used gene-modified dendritic cells to induce apoptosis in collagen-specific T cells, reducing arthritis incidence and severity. Additionally, stem cell factor was found to drive hepatocyte proliferation after liver resection, while VLA-1 expression is crucial for T cell memory of previously encountered antigens.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2003

Variants of BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis

A study identified variants of the BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis, approximately tripling the likelihood of developing the disease. The findings were replicated in an independent cohort, suggesting a strong association between the gene's variants and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 3, 2003

GAD2 as a candidate gene for obesity

Researchers found a genetic link between GAD2 variants and obesity. The study suggests that overexpression of the GAD2 gene may increase GABA levels in the hypothalamus, leading to increased orexigenic effects and overeating.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 3, 2003

Physics tip sheet #38 - November 3, 2003

A new semiconductor material can lead to solar cells with higher efficiency, while a study on magnetic memory devices suggests they could speed up by a factor of 1000. Researchers also found that certain interactions between molecules can create negative friction, which could have applications in fields like photosynthesis and nanoscal...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2003

Molecular electronic device shows promise

A molecular resonant tunneling device has been successfully realized, offering improved efficiency and reduced power consumption in computer architectures. The device, which works at room temperature and on silicon, holds promise for future applications in high-sensitivity sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 3, 2003